Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Blog Post 3/31/2020


Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20

Luke 9:7-27

Psalm 72:1-20

Proverbs 12:8-9


The consistent message that we see in these passages is that with God-centered lives, all things on earth are possible.  Whether it's going out and healing the sick, feeding the hungry, defending the afflicted, caring for those around us, or even ruling a nation, everything should be done with faith in God and actions that align with His word. 


As we see in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, when you elect someone who is going to be in power, they must always have God's word amongst them. By following the word of God and using his decrees to govern one's choices, whoever is in power will then be able to lead in accordance to His will.  Deuteronomy 17:19 It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees.  


We even see the same message being portrayed in Psalms through David's request to bless his son, Solomon, in the coronation ceremony marking the transfer of rule over Israel.  Proverbs also touches on this subject in 12:8 when it says, "A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised." This indicates that wisdom, which can be achieved through God's word, is better than the ways of the world.


Dear Lord, as we learned today through these verses, it is better to live through your word and through your ways, than to take on things independently.  Please remind us each time we pick up the Bible that you are speaking to us and guiding us through our daily lives. No hardships or challenges we face are too great for you.  Lord, we put our trust and faith in you as we navigate through our earthly lives.


Way Maker by Leeland


Saturday, March 28, 2020

March 28: Of Family, Obedience, Proximity and Peace


Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22

Luke 8:4-21

Psalm 69:19-36

Proverbs 12:2-3


What a wonderful, timely reading for a time when, presumably, there are many who, like Jesus's mother and brothers, are seeking to get near to Him through a crowd.  When the crowd suggests their relationship with Him deserves the privilege of proximity, Jesus does not disagree - but He points out that the privilege isn't just for those related to Him by blood, but by spirit: "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."  His words reinforce what Moses said to the Israelites: "…what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees…".


Let's think about that word "fear" for a moment.  Our pastor finally explained it to me, after almost 45 years of misunderstanding it, that the word doesn't mean God calls us to be "afraid", but to a combination of knowledge, reverence and awe, of the God to whom "belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth, and everything in it", Who "chose you…above all nations - as it is today".  Especially in times like today, who wouldn't want to get close to Him?


So if we want to be close to Jesus, He asks us to obey His father.  And what does He command?  That we take that light, that truth - that knowledge, reverence and awe of Him - and not hide it from other people.  We are to live lives that reflect that "fear" of the Lord to those around us.  


And how do we do that?  There are an infinite number of ways but God reminded me of something our pastor preached that might be applicable: the phrase "But God".  Until our pastor preached about this phrase, I never noticed it; now I am beginning to realize how powerful a phrase of two one-syllable words is, and how often God has intervened in situations, from Noah (Gen 8:1), to protecting Jacob from Laban (Gen 31:23-24)  to Jonah (Jon 2:6).  Perhaps the most important one for us today, in Matthew 19:26 - "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible."


So maybe we can let other people see our light a bit today, especially when we are attacked by fear and worry.  Instead of saying to ourselves "I trust God, but this problem…" perhaps we might reverse the order?  Some examples:


  • I am out of work, but God…
  • I don't know where to buy toilet paper, but God…
  • My daughter is far away from home, but God…
  • I have a fever and a cough, but God…


And in what may be the most difficult applications:

  • a family member has succumbed to the virus, but God…
  • I am going to succumb to the virus, but God…


Not easy.  Certainly it wouldn't be for me, were I to find myself there.  But if I am able to live this way, if we are able to live this way, then perhaps other people - especially those near and dear to us - might see that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  And they might want to have some of that proximity as well.  



Friday, March 27, 2020

March 27

March 27, 2020

Luke 7

 

Have you ever experienced grace? It is a life changing event. During my softball career our team faced many difficulties. The greatest challenge for a team is when the all-star pitcher gets injured. That happened to our team. Bill Cahill was on the DL (disabled list) and we needed someone to step in. In a moment of weakness, I volunteered. The game went well until the last inning. We were up by several runs but then things quickly deteriorated. It is commonly called "the choke" and happens when the pitcher loses the strike zone and starts walking guys. Slowly the lead started shrinking until the winning run was on third base, with the bases loaded. I knew the situation, so I started pitching fat pitches right down the middle of the plate. Well, the last pitch of the night turned into a monstrous grand slam. The words "devastated, dejected, crestfallen" come to mind. So, there I was sitting on the end of the bench alone, knowing I had blown the game. Just then a little girl named Jenelle came and sat with me on the bench, hugged me, and said, "Daddy, it's ok. I still love you."

 

Those words of grace changed everything. We all need to have "grace-giving" people in our lives. That is why I am a Christ follower. Jesus is the most gracious person I have ever had a relationship with. The "Cliff Notes" of Jesus' message could be reduced to one word: grace. His message of grace is still very scandalous, outrageous, and even offensive.  

 

We see the scandal in the story of the anointing of the sinful woman. The Jews in Jesus' day had their 613 strict rules to keep the lines clear between "good" people and "bad" people. If you messed up keeping those rules you were quickly sent to the bench. These rules made it clear that there was no room for failures. But then Jesus appeared on the scene with his radical message of grace. It moved undesirables from exclusion to inclusion. Instead of the message, "No undesirables wanted," grace gives the message, "come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest." 

 

Right now is the best time to share the radical grace of God with people who are sitting on the bench alone. As Pastor Chris has been sharing recently….  grace, grace, grace. 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Thursday, March 26

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020

"In the future, when your son asks you, 'What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?' tell him: 'We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.'" (Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:20-25‬)

Deuteronomy 6 highlights the key role each of us may play in passing the life of following God onto the next generation.  While we may learn facts and knowledge without relationship, God has designed us to learn how to live by example.  We emulate those whom we respect, and it shows in our daily living.

The chapter includes the Shema, the call to love God and honor Him by following His commands.  Embedded within that call, we find a commitment to cross-generational discipleship.  In other words, nurturing children would go beyond physical, mental, and emotional aspects.  Parents, grandparents, and mentors play a key role in shepherding children.  For the Israelites, this shepherding would involve sharing truth through daily living and building a collective and growing memory of all God has done for His people.

While you may not be a parent, we all have the high calling of serving as Christ's ambassador in this world.  While we have a country and family of origin, we now also represent God's Kingdom and the family of His people.  Part of being His ambassador includes edifying others, particularly the young.  With God's help, we build up young people so that they may know God and multiply the truth that they have received through their own transformer lives.


Lord God, thank You for making us as relational beings.  Help us to honor You by building into others through our example.  Protect our hearts and minds so that our example may be clear and properly reflective of Who You are.  Give us the courage to invest in others, particularly when the the rewards may seem far off.  We love You and thank You for welcoming us into Your Kingdom through the tremendous sacrifice of Your Son.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

March 25

Luke 7 - Understanding Jesus' Authority

The centurion is an interesting character.  He appears as a devout, kind, humble man who has an unusual attitude towards this particular slave. Back in that day, under Roman law, a master had the right to kill his slave, and it was expected that he would do so if the slave became ill or injured to the point where he could not work. So why would this centurion even entertain the thought of wanting to have him healed?  It's also important to remember that culturally, centurion was not only a Gentile, but a Roman soldier, which was representative of Israel's oppression. So why would he even approach Jesus?  Obviously the centurion did not think himself worthy of a personal meeting with Jesus, or he wouldn't have sent the Jewish leaders as his representatives seeking help as it was completely against Jewish custom for a Jew to even enter a Gentile's home. Perhaps Jesus recognized the incredible balance the centurion demonstrated of humility mixed with child like faith. "Two features of character blend in him which do not often meet in such graceful harmony. He won the high opinion of others and yet he held a low estimation of himself." (Spurgeon) On the one hand, the centurion didn't feel worthy enough to even have Jesus in his home, but on the other, he knew Jesus was the only one who could save his servant.  Once again, breaking cultural barriers and demonstrating it's never the wrong time to do the right thing, Jesus did not hesitate. I think what Jesus was trying to illustrate here is the breadth of His love for humanity and how precious our faith, (even just as much as a mustard seed), is to Him. The centurion fully understood that Jesus' healing power was not a magic trickInstead he knew Jesus had true authority and could command things to be done and see them completed outside His immediate presence. The centurion understood the military chain of command. He knew how the orders of one in authority were unquestioningly obeyed and that's what he trusted in Jesus. Jesus answered the centurion's unselfish request and proved what the centurion had faith in all along, that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. I pray that we have faith as solid as the centurion and we carry the message of hope in Jesus into the world today.

Randi









Tuesday, March 24, 2020

March 24th, Not lacking anything

March 24th
Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 11:27
…These forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. Deut 2:7
Of all the verses in today's reading, this is the one that caught my eye. I am so quick to think of the things I am "lacking". I often forget that God is with me, and I have not lacked anything while I have been under His wings. This is not the only place in the Bible that we are reminded we have all we need through Him.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10)
Even strong, fierce, independent animals are unable to meet all of the needs for their offspring, but God is always able to provide for us. When we seek Him, we lack no good thing.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing (Psalm 23:19)
When God is our Shepherd, and we are in his flock, we have all that we need. He keeps us safe, watches out for us, and keeps us in line!
Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing (Psalm 34:9)
When we fear God and show Him the respect, awe, and worship that He deserves, there is nothing that we lack.
While we may feel like we are lacking by worldly standards, or lacking by selfish standards, we are blessed by God, not lacking anything. However, we can only truly experience this when we acknowledge God as our shepherd, when we revere Him, and when we seek Him. I encourage you to take some time today to think about everything that you are grateful for and to thank Him for the blessings He's given you. How can you seek God? How can you revere Him? How can you be his sheep?

Saturday, March 21, 2020

March 21: Of a Tired Fisherman’s Choices


Numbers 32:1-33:39

Luke 4:31-5:11

Psalm 64:1-10

Proverbs 11:22


Peter had worked hard all night and hadn't caught anything.  He was washing his nets - not an easy task when no running water was available, I imagine - when some new teacher asks to use his boat, and asks him to push off so he can preach.  Peter, probably hoping for something from the man, agrees.  He's probably sitting there, listening to him, perhaps wondering if this is going to be worth his time, even regretting the trouble he's taken after a long, hard day.  


As the man finishes, Peter's about to bring the boat back to shore, when the man stops him and tells him to do the opposite - to "put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch".  At this point, Peter's mind is probably running through the hard, fruitless night he's just had, how he's just washed his nets, how tired he is, and how this guy is a carpenter, and there probably isn't going to be any point, because there just aren't any fish.


Despite all that, and only because this carpenter who's never fished a day in his life said so, Peter chooses to say yes.  Peter chooses, despite all evidence to the contrary.  Despite the ache in his bones and the frustration in his mind, despite the certainty he isn't going to catch anything, despite knowing what is in store for him for his obedience, he chooses to say yes. Peter CHOOSES.


We know Jesus's response to Peter.  He blesses him with an abundance Peter did not imagine, did not think possible.  


For all of us, it's been a long, hard year.  We have been through fruitless days, and we're tired, and worried for our families as Peter was, and we worry that tomorrow is going to bring more of the same, or worse.  Perhaps we might learn from Peter's experience.  


  1. He was open.  He gave Jesus a chance.  Although he as was tired, he let Jesus use his boat.  He put himself in a position to hear His word.  
  2. He was humble.  Instead of insisting he'd already done enough lending Jesus his boat, he went the extra (nautical) mile, setting for deep water when he wanted to go home.
  3. He trusted.  Despite all evidence to the contrary, likely because of what he'd heard, he chose to let down his nets.


During this pandemic, when income and provision are threatened, when health is at risk, and when we are forced to face things alone, I pray we make Peter's choices.  Let's give Jesus a chance to speak to us in scripture and prayer.  Let's humble ourselves and recognize our loving Savior knows better than we do.  And let us choose to trust Him knowing He will protect and provide when both seem impossible.  

Friday, March 20, 2020

March 20

March 20, 2020

Luke 4

 Luke 4:1-2  Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert.

In the Bible the "desert" is a terrible place. A desert is generally a dry, barren and uncivilized place. People don't live in deserts; they don't go to deserts for vacations. In Biblical times people believed Satan and his evil demons lived there. It was believed to be haunted. Symbolically, the desert is known as a place of testing and trial. So, one goal of life is to avoid any trips into the dreaded "desert."

Yet, here we see Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit.  What is going on?

There have been many famous desert experiences in the Bible.

Moses spent 40 years living in the backside of a desert.

The Israelites spend 40 years wandering around one.

The prophet Elijah had a spiritual retreat in a desert.

In our Psalm today David was writing from a desert.

Here is the truth about "desert" experiences. While they are very difficult to go through, they are places where faith is forged into something that is strong and resilient.  Faith rarely grows when skies are sunny and blue.  

Right now, the coronavirus has put every one of us in a "desert" experience. Sickness, death, anxiety, unemployment, isolation, and loneliness are creating tremendous hardship in our lives. But is that all this "desert" experience can produce?   

After Jesus' 40 days in the desert, his faith was rock solid, he had a clear picture of his identity and he had an unshakable mission for his life. 

I would suggest that desert experiences, while very difficult, are very instructive.

This is what we can learn as we go through our "desert experience."

1. New levels of dependence on God.  

2. How to believe the promises of God.

3. How to win the battle with temptation.  

4. How to study God's Word with new insights.

5. What is really important in life, by rearranging our priorities.

So, if you find yourself in the "desert" today, don't despair, grow. Stop asking, "why me," and change the question to, "What do you want me to learn?"

 



--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Thursday, March 19

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

" Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken....

" Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:1-2,5-8)


In Psalm 62, David proclaims the truth and surety that we may find rest in God. In this tremendously trying time, we need this reminder perhaps more than ever. If anyone shows peace in these moments, we can be assured that that peace has not come from a human source; any peace today comes from an intimate connection with our loving and giving Father.

Without declaring and meditating on our trust in God's provision, the coronavirus backdrop can spark overwhelming panic. I receive a helpful table that pointed to the very spiritual elements behind this natural phenomenon. Naturally, we may view panic, concern over the virus's "mysterious origins," hoarding, deception, insecurity, and chaos and disorder. These outcomes have emerged from the evil one, who has carried lies and wishes to destroy God's good creation in each person.

In response, we may declare, as David does here, that God gives wisdom and healing. He generously and fully provides for His children. His truth stands firm forever, and He will protect us because of His relentless love and supremacy over all creation. He is completely trustworthy and completely powerful, able to deliver on each of His promises.

When we panic, we reveal the frailty of what we have relied upon. If we rely on something of human or natural origin, it will eventually fail us. Yet, if we seek God wholeheartedly and entrust our lives to Him, we know that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We understand from Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength,/ an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 91 likewise offers many promises of God's lovingkindness and intervention on behalf of His people.

Where will you turn today for strength? I encourage you to seek God each morning: both reading the Scriptures and praying for His intervention during these difficult days. May we find comfort in Him alone -- and may we share the Gospel of peace with those who are so hungry for peace today!


Lord God, thank You for Your provision: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. We desperately need You. We have strayed from Your commands and lived according to our own ideas and preferences. We have made idols out of comfort, success, power, wealth, and fame. We bow our knees before You and confess our false idols. Heal our land, O God, for only You are able. Give wisdom to our leaders and our families. Bring us back to Your heart and preserve the precious gift of life. Draw near to us, O God, as we seek You each day. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


MEDITATIVE WORSHIP FOR STRENGTH

"Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfMWQ_nrlKE

"I Will Exalt You": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSkYP4MSTX0


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(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2020

March 18th

Luke 3

I remember a service a few years ago where we watched a clip from an old Bob Newhart series. Patients would come into his office with various problems, issues and situations and often be in a panic and he would look at them with a straight face and shout "STOP IT!"  I couldn't help but think of that as I was reading John's answers to the tax collectors, soldiers, and other self centered people when they came to be baptized. John had just finished telling them that their lineage of Abraham which they were counting on to save them wasn't the way to go. I can imagine their shock and bewilderment which was probably what led them to ask "so now what do we do?" STOP IT! answers John. Stop ripping people off, stop being selfish, share your clothes, and play nicely with the other kids on the playground. The time has come to learn how to live by true Kingdom principles which will be taught to you by The Messiah Himself.  Remember, John's role was to pave the way for The Messiah, so here we see him laying down an important foundation to the Pharisees - everything you have been taught you have misinterpreted and because of that, your deeds don't match your word. Your intentions are all wrong, so repent of your sin because The Messiah is coming. What an incredible message. As disciples living in between the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, we too are like John the Baptist. We live as servants who now carry the responsibility of engaging people in conversation so that we can point the people around us to Jesus and His gospel. For such a time as this I believe the body of Christ is being called to rise up cry out "Stop it".  When people turn to worry, we pray to God for peace. When doctors don't know what to do, we pray for wisdom. When supplies appear to be running low, we ask God for provision. I pray we recognize each conversation we have as divine appointments and learn to "lean in" and "lean out", engaging people in conversation, staying focused on God's Word, and pointing to Jesus and His gospel.


Randi









Tuesday, March 17, 2020

March 17th Blog Post

Numbers 26:1-51

Luke 2:36-52

Psalm 60:1-12

Proverbs 11:15


In Numbers 26:1-51, we learned that the more the tribes were contributing, the greater the reward.  As we reflect on our own lives and our personal walks with our faith, we can discern that the more effort we put into our walk and our journey through faith, the greater the reward will be along the journey.  The more time we spend in prayer, reading His word and worshiping, the more we will be able to apply His teachings on to others.


In Luke 2:36-52, the prophet, Anna, spent her days at the temple worshiping, fasting and praying.  She gave thanks to God and spread the word of the child, Jesus, who would redeem Jerusalem.  Through our own act of fasting and prayer, our focus is more refined as we lift our worries up to Him and praise Him for all He has given us.  I pray that Our Father will use His supernatural healing powers to help those affected by the coronavirus. Who is better prepared to help our community, our nation, our world, than He?


I love reading how wise Jesus was, even as a young child, and how he stayed in Jerusalem to learn and ask questions from the teachers.  His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were not pleased when he didn't stay with them on their trip back to Nazareth, causing them to worry about his whereabouts.  When asked why he chose to treat them that way, his response was simple, and I can imagine his honesty when he said, "Why were you searching for me?", "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?".  He obeyed his parents and went to Nazareth, but his wisdom and love for his Heavenly father continued to flourish, and Mary was a close witness to this.


God wants us to worship Him, not the "earthly gods".  They do nothing more than distort our focus, while He offers us salvation and eternal life.  When God is not the focus in our lives, He is greatly displeased, and at times shakes the earth as exemplified in Psalm 60.  It makes me think of the coronavirus, and how it is shaking our earth.  However, instead of letting fear take residence in our hearts, we should take this opportunity to come together and help support one another.  Yes, there is still fear, and there are many people who are not turning to God during this time, but there are countless people across the globe uniting and serving during this time of great need.  Let us celebrate that! Let any fear that there may be propel us forward into living out His word. God has raised a banner of righteousness for His believers, those who fear Him. Let us proclaim our faith and celebrate the love and the Word of our Lord.  Whether shouting from the mountaintops, or from the valleys below, let us be strong in our faith, no matter the season. When we feel weak, lean on Him, lean on our community, open our hearts and souls to Him continuously.  


Dear Lord, just as David called out to you to help him in battle, we call out to you to help us through this challenging time.  During this time of uncertainty with the coronavirus, we can lean wholeheartedly into our faith and on you, Our Father, and remain certain that you will carry us through.  Thank you, God, for loving us beyond human comprehension, for giving us your Grace and for sacrificing your son for us so that we would be saved; Thank you, Jesus Christ, for your ultimate sacrifice and undying love; Thank you, Holy Spirit, for guiding us and being an internal voice to help us reason through right and wrong.  Dear Lord, thank you for all that you have done for us, all that you continue to do for us, and for the future plans that you have in store for us.  You are the storyteller, and our Faith is in you. In your name, I pray. Amen.


New Wine - Hillsong Worship



Monday, March 16, 2020

Bible blog post Monday March 16th

Becoming An Adviser For Victory (Proverbs 11:14)


The verses in today's reading, as with every day, are rich in wisdom, in hope, and promises.  I could have chosen so many different things to write about.  As I read today's reading my heart was heavy for our world and the pandemic we all find ourselves in.  Then I got to the end of the reading, to the Proverb, and I had to sit and ponder it...

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure." Prov. 11:14

I found verse 14 interesting given our current situation and I found it equally hopeful as well.  It is supported by Proverbs 3:5-6 which say, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. God has the guidance, the power, the hope we all need right now.  He sees the end from the beginning.  He doesn't worry or fear.  He holds ultimate power and authority.  He is the one that can keep nations from falling.  We need to seek him on bended knee with repentant and open hearts and ask for wisdom and guidance in navigating life at this time and how we can be a light and hope to those around us.  We need to ask for guidance in how we can support people who have lost jobs, who are scared, who are sick, who are uncertain, who have questions, who are hungry, who are in need.  We have a chance to pray for our leaders to seek God's guidance but we can also pray and seek God's guidance for ourselves and be a part of the many advisers that cause victory to be sure (as Prov11:14 speaks of).  The world needs more than an end to this virus, let us seek the guidance of the Lord in how we can be there for others during this time.  What a great and awesome opportunity we have been given right now.  Let's act on it. Let's seek the Lord in this our time of need.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrew 4:16


Saturday, March 14, 2020

March 14: Of Difficult Journeys - Around Edom, Unmarried Pregnancy, and Coronavirus


Numbers 21:1-22:20

Luke 1:26-56

Psalm 57:1-11

Proverbs 11:9-11


Today's readings are pretty amazing in the context of the global pandemic, and the physical, mental, emotional and economic suffering it is causing.  Where to begin?  


God is more than doctor, He has dominion over our biology.  He not only made Mary pregnant with Jesus, He prepared her body as a suitable vessel for the perfection of His son.  His dominion over our biology is so complete that while a patient might normally have to ingest medicine to have it take effect, God is able to transmit healing visually, curing people simply by having them look at a bronze snake.  Think about that for a second.  


God is a victor, even amidst defeat.  Israel had lost the battle to the king of Arad, who captured some of them.  Yet God helped them overcome and completely destroy a more powerful enemy.  We read that today more than once when God does the same thing against Sihon, the Amorites, and Bashan.  Think about that for a second. 


God is protector, even when we don't know it.  The Israelites knew nothing of the preparations Balak of Moab was making to fight them, but God knew - and He protected Israel even from Balak's preparations, preventing Balaam from cursing Israel.  Think about that for a second. 


This is the God we serve, the God in Whom we profess to have faith.  What's interesting about faith is it isn't manifest when times are easy and things are going our way.  Like character and fitness, it is built in adversity and strain.  It is built in times like today. 


In the readings, we have the example of two responses:  that of the Israelites, who in the hardship of their journey "spoke against God and against Moses", or that of Mary who, when faced with the prospect of death for an unmarried pregnancy, declared "I am the Lord's servant".  May we choose wisely, taking confidence in our ability to pray as the psalmist does today: "I cry out to God Most High, to God who vindicates me.  He sends from heaven and saves me."  Like the psalmist, may we be able to say despite our circumstances "My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast.  I will sing and make music."

Friday, March 13, 2020

March 13

Psalm 56

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Vs 3

What a week. Wow. We must go back to 9/11 to match the emotional tsunami we have experienced this week. America has long been known as "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Let's hope it's not changing to "the home of the fearful." As fears, anxieties, hoarding and panic grows, does the gospel have anything to say to this situation? The answer is a resounding "yes." David, in our Psalm today, is living through a very dangerous situation. In response to his fear of King Saul he moved to Goliath's hometown. The Goliath he had killed and whose head he had cut off, yeh, that Goliath. Fear often leads us to do really stupid things. But there in the midst of his great fears David starts to come back to his spiritual foundation. He decides to put his trust in God. This confidence in the Lord is a purposeful decision. It is accomplished by a courageous act of the will. "I will trust in God '' even if the circumstances around me are overwhelming. This declaration to trust God must be made to gain victory over fear.

Here are 15 ideas of how to live in victory over fear: 

1. Verbally declare to God that you are placing all your trust in him.

2. Practice spiritual breathing. Exhale the spirit of fear and inhale the Spirit of power.

3. Worship. Worry and worship cannot exist in the same heart.

4. Practice gratitude. Start and end each day by declaring 3 things you are grateful for.

5. Spend time in God's Word.

6. Pray. Join us Monday for a day of prayer and fasting.

7. Plan family fun time. Have a game night and draw closer to your family.

8. Look around and see if you can help someone. The elderly and sick will need friends to shop, cook and care for them.

9. Share your toilet paper. 

10. Pray before you go to sleep so you can get a good night of rest.

11. Eat healthy food and take vitamins. Take extra vitamin D.

12. Exercise daily.

13. Schedule an in-home romantic evening, candle light and all.

14. Take one day at a time.

15. Turn off the news for 24 hours.

We have seen the "bully of fear" show up many times in our lives. The "bully of fear" leaves you curled up in a fetal position. What if we could live fearlessly? What if we could face the "bully of fear" and instead of us running, the bully would run? What if we were able to trust in God so much that even going through these days, we had joy, peace and a smile on our face? All of that is possible because Jesus defeated the "bully of fear" 2000 years ago with his death and resurrection. Send the bully running today!

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Thursday, March 12

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020

(Apologies for the early tech fail!  It's been a rough day.)

"If an enemy were insulting me,
 I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
 I could hide.
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,
with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God,
as we walked about
 among the worshipers." (Psalm 55:11-14)


Here, David wrestles ​with rejection and betrayal, recognizing the overwhelming pain of separation and hurt.  We often believe that relational distance or damage doesn't carry any lasting effects, but we can sense the power of that pain.

While God has firstly created us for Himself, that we may know Him and grow into the likeness of Christ, He has also created us to relate to others.  Have you experienced the joy of being "in synch" with another person?  Or the exuberance of cheering on your favorite team with a crowd?  Or worshipping together with brothers and sisters, relishing the glory of God?  Or maybe just the joy or catching up with a friend and knowing that he or she really "hears you" and cares about what's going on?

God has indeed called us to be knit together with others in heart.  These relationships become particularly strong when God is featured at the center.  David knee that full well, having shared deep fellowship with his friend Jonathan.

Here, however, he reflects on a relational disconnect.  In response, he reflects on his need to cast his cares on the Lord, trusting in His provision.  This pattern may guide us, too.  When people have let us down, how could we keep from falling into despair?  Like David, we may turn our eyes upward to our faithful God and King.

Indeed, we may become friends with God by seeking Him in relationship.  We then may love others out of the overflow of God's love, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

As takeaways from this passage, it is natural to experience great pain from relational disconnects.  Yet, we should continue to pursue relationships because they are part of our God-designed DNA.  In the end, our satisfaction in God carries us through; how amazing that we may become friends with God!


Lord God, thank You for never leaving nor forsaking is.  We seek to trust You through our relational disconnects.  Help us to remember how we may cast our cares on You.  Thank You for Your lovingkindness and grace.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

Thursday, March 12

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020


"If an enemy were insulting me,
    I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
    I could hide.But it is you, a man like myself,
    my companion, my close friend,
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
    at the house of God,
as we walked about
    among the worshipers.